Milwaukee Brewers: Which call up is the most surprising?

The Milwaukee Brewers have activated the majority of their 40-man roster for the final month of the season, but one name was a bit of a shock. Which name was a surprise to see back in Milwaukee?

Corbin Burnes is back with the Milwaukee Brewers. Burnes started the year in the rotation and really struggled. He made a few trips to the Minors and the Injured List before heading back to Arizona to have his delivery broken down with the help of videos and sensors. He spent over two weeks in the Milwaukee Brewers complex in Arizona trying to figure out what’s gone so wrong with him.

Burnes did return to the San Antonio Missions in Triple-A, and started on August 30th. He went five innings and allowed five runs on five hits and three walks. He was tagged for one home run, and managed to strikeout six. However, the question remains, ‘Will Burnes take the mound again for the Brewers?’

What were Burnes’ numbers again?

Bad. His numbers were bad. Whether it’s the Majors or Triple-A, Burnes struggled at every level.

In 46 innings with the Milwaukee Brewers this year, Burnes posted a 9.00 ERA. He did manage 67 strikeouts and only 20 walks, but he surrendered 16 homers.

In Triple-A, Burnes worked 22 1/3 innings, and had slightly better results. His ERA with the San Antonio Missions was only 8.46. Burnes struck out 25, walked only nine, and was tagged for only two homers in the Minors, but still managed to allow almost a run per inning.

What went wrong with Burnes this year

Great question. It’s unclear if even he really knows. His velocity didn’t dip. His spin rate was still ridiculous. He looked like the exact same guy who served as a key cog in the bullpen in 2018. Based on a recent interview, it sounds like it’s a mental issue that’s plaguing Burnes.

That has to be absolutely terrifying for an athlete to deal with. An injury can be rehabbed, but a mental block doesn’t have a time table.

Will Burnes throw again in the Majors this year?

He certainly sounds like he wants to get a few more innings, but the Milwaukee Brewers can’t possibly consider letting Burnes take the mound again if there’s anything to play for or a game on the line.

The only way Burnes gets another chance to throw to Major League hitters in 2019 is if the team is mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, or in need of a couple innings at the end of a blowout.

Burnes should continue to work with coaches, throw bullpen sessions, and figure out the mental side of his game. He should not be tossed into a playoff race and expected to keep the team in the game. The Milwaukee Brewers have to be a bit more careful in how they use Burnes, and that means he’s going to be limited to mop up duty or getting an appearance after the season is ‘over’.